Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering 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 taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
