For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
