For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
