For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic 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!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
