For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
