Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted 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 latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
