Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
