For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
