Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new 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 pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
