Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
