Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies 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 computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
