For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, 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 quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
