Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
