Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
