For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
