Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. 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 reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
