Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort 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 something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
