Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
