Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
