For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes 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 realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
