For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
