Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
