Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
