For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
