For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
