Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
