Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. 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 once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes 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 conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
