Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
