Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems 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 new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
