Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
