Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion 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. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
