For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. 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 isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
