Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
