Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
