For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide 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 toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
