For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic 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 frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. 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 result proves a captivating and enjoyable
