For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
