Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
