Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
