Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
