Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
