For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation 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 originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive 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 heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
