Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted 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.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
