Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. 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 defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness 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 doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
