Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes 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 everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
