For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels 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, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic 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 often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
