Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
