Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
