Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment 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 a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable 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 do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
