Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
