Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
