Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
