For the most part, 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 mostly depleted 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 new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
