For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
