Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
