Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
