For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
