For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted 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, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
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 you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
