For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine 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 gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
