Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
