Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly 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 husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
