Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
