Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
