Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
