For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
