Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie 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 prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
