For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
