Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
