Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear 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 spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion 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 Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
