For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
