Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
