Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
