Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
