For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
