Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known 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 strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
