For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
