Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about 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 the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
