Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
