Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
