Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
