For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
