Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
