For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
