Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
