Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation 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 films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
