Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable