For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, 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 lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. 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 building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
