For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
