Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, 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 a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
