Generally speaking, 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, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also 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 regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
