For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab 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 in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
