Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion 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. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
