Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
