Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining