Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
