For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's 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 recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation 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. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
