Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote 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 much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
