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 were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
