For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
