For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems 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 Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
