Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
