Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party 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 turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
