For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
