Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
