Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. 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 result proves a captivating and entertaining
