Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
