For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming 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 pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
