For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
