For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
