Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when 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 isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
