For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
