For the most part, 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 feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
