For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably 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 enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
