Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
