Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
