Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense 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 relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
