Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
