Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning 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 forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
