For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
