For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been 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 and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
