For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
