For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive 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 since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
