Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
