For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "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 movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
