Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
