For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
