Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
