For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits 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 isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
