Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally 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 story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
