Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married 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 Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining