For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they 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 is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
