Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
