Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. 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 my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
