Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. 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 defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
