Generally speaking, 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 in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided 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 trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
