Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
