Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains 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 quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce 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 caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
