For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
