Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid 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 instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic 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 films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
