Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
