Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
