For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
