For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost 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 values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
