Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
