For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
