For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
