Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels 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, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
