Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
