Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
