For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
