Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely 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 defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, 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 that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
