Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
