Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
