Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find 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 once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
