Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
