Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains 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 location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly 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 a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
