For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
