Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
