For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business 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 in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
