Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen 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 holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
