For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
