Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
