Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
