Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
