Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
