Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
