Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome 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 loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
