For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
