For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
