Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
