For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
