Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
