For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat 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 the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
