Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable