For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly 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 stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
