For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
