Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
