Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "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 films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
