For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
