Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, 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 frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
