Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 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 gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
