Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
