Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named 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 strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
