Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
