Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 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 turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
