For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable