Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
