Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
