Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
