Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
