Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
