Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, 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 realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable