Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were 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 some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While 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 went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic 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 frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
