For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
