For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
