Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful 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 entertaining
