Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
