For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
