Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
