Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
