For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
