For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by 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 followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become 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 good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample 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 movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
