For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are 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. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
