For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
