Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party 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 scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
