For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work 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 engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
