Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
