Generally speaking, 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 seems largely exhausted 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 and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate 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 prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
