Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
