Typically, 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 feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
