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 were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
