Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
