Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
