For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
