For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
