Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
