Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 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 remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable