For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies 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 explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly 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 apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
