Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
