Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
