Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
