For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
