Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once 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 over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
