For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead 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 CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
