Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from 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 a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
