For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
