Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion 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 frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
