For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
