Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how 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—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable 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. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
