For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
