For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
