Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. 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 brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
