For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
