For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
