For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
