Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
