For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just 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 genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
