Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
