For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
