Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable