Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
