For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
