For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic 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 end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
