For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
