Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet 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 scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
