For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
