Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
