For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation 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 end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
