For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
