For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
