For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
