For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
