Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know 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 relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
