Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. 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 the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion 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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
