Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
