For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
