For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted 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 subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. 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 are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
