For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
