Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
