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 enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
