For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
