Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
