Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents 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.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
