Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon 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, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives 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 the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes 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 innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
