For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up 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 flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
