Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
