Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out 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 are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
