Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "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 family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
