For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness 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 admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
