Typically, 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 mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
