For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. 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, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals 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 consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
