Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense 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 understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
