Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive 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 because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
