Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic 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 family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
