Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
