Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
