Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
