Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right 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 see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
