Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves 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 gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
