Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. 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 horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
