Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
