Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon 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 holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
