For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, 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 while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "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 apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
