For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, 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 he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
