Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
