Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
