Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
