For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive 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 apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. 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 over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
