Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
