For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
