Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
