Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits 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 is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
