Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
