Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
