Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
