Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values 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 nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
