For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
