For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
