Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more 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. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
