Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
