Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable 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 insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
