Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
