Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
