Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome 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!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. 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 somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
