Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute 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 accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. 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 they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
