Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
