For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
