For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
