For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
