Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
