For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
