Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
