Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
