Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
