Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
