Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
