Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
