Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
