For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre 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 latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
