Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
