Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus 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 movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
