Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity 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—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when 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 building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
