Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone 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 brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
