For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
