For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
