For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
