Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
