For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
