Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
