For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine 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 gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
