Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building 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 where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
