For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "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 movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
