Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
