Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
