Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
