Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
