Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable