For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them 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 shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
