Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
