Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding 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 lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
