Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
