Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
