Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
