For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, 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 business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
