Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
