For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
