Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and 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 are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
