Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
