Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
