Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and 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 spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for 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 movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
