For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
