For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
