For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
