For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains 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 quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. 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 the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much 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 offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
