Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
