For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. 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, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
