For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally 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 K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned 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 impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion 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.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
