For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
