For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
