Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive 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 the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
