For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust 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 enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion 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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
