Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
