Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment 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 an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
