Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
