Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains 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.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining