Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed 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 explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
