For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
