For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
