Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome 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 often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
