Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord 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!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
