For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining