Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
