Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
