Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, 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 having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
