Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely 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, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also 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 they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
