Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
