Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
