For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "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. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
