For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration 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 promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
