Typically, 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 highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming 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 pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
