Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-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 nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
