Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
