For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable 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 do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
