For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people 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 I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
