Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
