For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested 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 sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable 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 appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
