Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
