Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
