Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
