Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. 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 actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! 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 remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. 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 result is a captivating and enjoyable
