Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
