Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. 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 when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, 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 all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
