Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
