Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
