Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
