For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new 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 film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals 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 is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
