Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
