For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining