Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. 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 computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
