Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
