Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent 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 the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
