Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved 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 apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
