For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
