Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
