Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
