Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
