Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
