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 were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
