Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent 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 with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
