Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
