For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals 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 everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
