Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
