Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
