For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved 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 frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable 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 presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
