Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
