For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided 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 holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "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 cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
