For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen 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 resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
