For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre 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 latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic 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 apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
