Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming 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 pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
