Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde 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 household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
