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 proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
