Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
