Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities 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, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "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. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
