Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
