Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals 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 surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
