For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. 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, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named 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 is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
