Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
