Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness 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 how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
