Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
