For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
