For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea 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.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
