For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
