Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
