For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
