For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, 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 films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
