Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
