Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
