Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
