For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
