For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although 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 highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains 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. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
