For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted 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, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
