Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
