Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
