Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree 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 level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
