Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of 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 a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
