Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent 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 film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
