Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
