For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
