Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
