Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know 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—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
