Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
