Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
