Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
