Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels 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, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
