For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
