Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, 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, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
