Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
