Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
