Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was 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 family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, 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 producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
