For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even 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, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
