Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 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 quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely 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 seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before 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 lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
