For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
