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 gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
