For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
