For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
