For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
