For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
