For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even 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 and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
