Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
