Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
