For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
