Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
