For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also 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 meet up at a nearby location. But when 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 building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
