Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, 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 frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
