Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about 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 nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
