For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
