Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
