Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but 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 Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
