Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
