Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
