Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
