For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push 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 Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
