Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family 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 I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family 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 expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
