Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly 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 loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
