Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
