Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
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 as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick 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 a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree 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 on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
