Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this 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 paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict 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 everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
