Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
