Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
