Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
