Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
