For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab 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 Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
