For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
