Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
