Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
