Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent 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 nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
