Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created 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 transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family 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 that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
