Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
