Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
