Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in 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 a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
