Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
