Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, 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 everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
