For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
