For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
