Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
