Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even 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, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
