Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
