Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding 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 creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
