Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
