Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
