For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things 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 which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical 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 any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining