Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
